smectic

smec·tic   (směk'tĭk)    adj.  Of or relating to the mesomorphic phase of a liquid crystal in which molecules are closely aligned in a distinct series of layers, with the axes of the molecules lying perpendicular to the plane of the layers. [From Greek smēktos, smeared, from smēkhein, to wash off.]

Main Entry: ¹smec·tic
Pronunciation: 'smek-tik
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterizedby the arrangement of the molecules in layers with the long axes of the molecules in a given layer being parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane of the layer smectic phaseof cholesterol esters in denatured LDL> —compare MESOMORPHIC 1, NEMATIC